His on-field presence Thursday reinforced the assertion Manning will play Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. He and interim coach Jack Del Rio said this week there was no doubt Manning would start.

That will extend Manning's consecutive starts streak with the Broncos to 27 games, including one postseason game. He had started 227 in a row for the Indianapolis Colts before missing the 2011 season while recovering from a series of surgical procedures on his neck.

In the 20-minute portion of practice that was open to news reporters Thursday, Manning did not appear limited in individual drills nor while working through a series of pass routes with his receivers.

The only sign of his injury was the heavy tape on his ankle.

Manning also wore a glove on his right hand, likely in preparation for cold temperatures and possible snow forecast for Sunday at Sports Authority Field in Denver.

In addition to Manning, defensive end Robert Ayers (personal), linebacker Nate Irving (shoulder) and tight end Joel Dreessen (knee) returned to practice. Starting linebacker Danny Trevathan was excused Thursday for personal reasons.